Sever All Ties
Chapter Thirty Eight: Deputy Chief
Disclaimer: I don't own Radiata Stories or any of the characters in the game; they are the property of the brilliant minds at Square Enix.
Author's Note(s): Words in '…' indicate a thought. Words in "…" indicate spoken words. This story will proceed based on the assumption that Jack has joined Ridley on the path of the non-human. This path would inevitably lead him to face his former friends and allies in combat. It is these fights I will illustrate in this story. Some creative liberties will be taken regarding who they face (i.e. Jack will face opponents in this fic that you don't get to face in the game). I hope you enjoy.
Jack looked over his shoulder to the travel bag that he had brought with him. It contained everything he had that could possibly help him in combat, and he needed to get into it. The question was whether or not the Deputy Chief would allow him to get the items that he needed. Slowly, he took a step backward, refusing to look away from his opponent. Gerald never moved, and so took another step. Finally, he turned around and walked to his bag. Immediately, he reached for a vial of Herb Extract for his wounds. The salve immediately went to work on the wounds on his chest and leg, and Jack felt his spirits lifted somewhat. Reaching further, he brought forth the trump card he had brought along. Gerald's expression altered somewhat when Jack pulled out a sword. The blade was darker than the Arbitrator, and had indentations near the top. The Hatred Edge had been sitting in his bag since his first days at Fort Helencia, waiting to be used. Now, it would have that chance. Rather than put the Arbitrator away, he gripped the Hatred Edge in his left hand and stepped back onto the path in front of Gerald. With a sword in each hand, his stance mirrored the Deputy Chief's.
"So your secret weapon is really just an attempt to beat me at my own game," Gerald asked with a chuckle. His face became stern as he continued. "Be careful with that sword, boy."
"I know the risks," Jack replied. Sir Gawain had warned against using the Hatred Edge the day he got it.
It was just after midnight at Fort Helencia; a warm, still evening with the full moon shining brightly in a cloudless sky. Things were quiet inside the Fort, but not outside. In the practice yard, a single figure could be seen disturbing the still of the night. Jack Russell was practicing with a sword, attempting to grow stronger. He didn't practice every night, but this was not his first late night training session. The practice not only helped him to hone his skills, but also to clear his mind. On this particular night, Jack was using a new weapon. Upon defeating the archdemon at Algandars Castle, he had received the Hatred Edge. Since he had been using the two-handed Blaze Saber for quite some time, Jack had thought it prudent to brush up on his one-handed sword fighting skills. When the door to the Fort opened behind him, Jack turned around. Sir Gawain was walking toward him.
"Hard at work, I see," Gawain said approvingly.
"I have to get stronger," Jack said, catching his breath. "And I need to be able to use all of the weapons I have."
"I agree," Gawain answered. His gaze shifted to the sword in Jack's right hand. "Let me see your new blade."
"It's the one from Algandars Castle," Jack said, offering him the hilt. Gawain held the word, and examined it thoroughly before speaking.
"I would not recommend using this sword," he finally said.
"What," asked Jack. "Why not?"
"There is an aura around this sword, Jack," Gawain said. "Surely you've felt it."
"I feel strength," Jack replied.
"It is a powerful blade," Gawain conceded. "But you need to understand what that power entails. This is an Agrypa blade, Jack"
"Agrypa," Jack repeated.
"Their weapons are full of maliciousness," Gawain continued. "I want you to be careful, lest the malice seep into you. Do not use this sword if you do not have to."
Jack had heeded Gawain's words, and the sword hadn't been drawn since that night. The Blaze Saber had been his primary weapon, and the Arbitrator had immediately replaced it. However, Jack knew that he would need a second blade if he hoped to defeat Gerald. Jack gripped the sword in each hand as tightly as he could, preparing for the clash that he knew was only moments away. Just as Gawain had, Gerald had begun staring at the sword in Jack's left hand. When he noticed this, Jack held the sword up for the Deputy Chief to see. His expression changed slightly as he examined the sword. Even from a dozen feet away, Gerald appeared to scrutinize every last detail of the sword. Finally, he nodded his head ever so slightly and spoke.
"Agrypa," he said simply. "It's a unique blade, but it definitely has Agrypa's aura."
"It's called the Hatred Edge," said Jack. "I got it at Algandars Castle."
"Well, that explains it," Gerald said. "That blade has a sinister aura, Jack."
"You're the second person to tell me that," Jack said. He let his arm drop to his side. "All I feel is power."
"It is powerful, no doubt," Gerald began. "But you have to feel the other part of it."
"It doesn't matter," Jack countered. "If it will get me closer to Ridley, then nothing else matters. It's time, Deputy Chief."
"I suppose it is," Gerald agreed. Both combatants raised their swords. "This is something you'll just have to learn for yourself."
"I only need one thing right now," Jack said. His feet shifted as he spoke. "I need the power to get to Ridley."
He lunged forward, preparing to strike. The Arbitrator met Oratorio, sending a shock down his arm. Immediately turning clockwise, he struck with the Hatred Edge, while the Arbitrator collided with Requiem. With a quick step to his left, Jack's Arbitrator blocked a low strike from Oratorio and slashed with the Hatred Edge. When Requiem clashed with the Hatred Edge, the two became locked in a stalemate. Both were trying to force the other to give ground. The sand beneath his feet provided poor traction, and Jack felt himself being forced back. When it became clear that he was going to be forced down, Jack freed his swords and took a quick step backward.
Gerald took advantage of this opening and launched a new offensive. Jack deflected Requiem and spun to avoid a thrust from Oratorio. The Deputy Chief had to duck as Jack slashed with the Hatred Edge during his spin. Jack charged forward and swung his two swords simultaneously, hoping to push the Gerald back. When he stopped the blades, Gerald did not fall back; instead, he stepped forward and drove his knee into Jack's chest. As he stepped backward, Oratorio created a burning pain in his chest. Reeling backward, Jack swung his swords wildly while he tried to regain his balance. He finally steadied himself and attacked again, but Gerald was ready. Twisting and slashing, he deftly parried Jack's blows. The younger swordsman instinctively dodged Gerald's counterblow, and the two men separated momentarily.
"Not bad kid," Gerald said, nodding in approval. "But you're going to need to do better than that."
Jack was somewhat pleased by Gerald's recognition of his skill, but more pleased to see that he was trying to catch his breath. Jack was also tiring; the stinging wound in his chest exacerbated his fatigue. The desert sun was scorching him, and he was sweating from every pore. Gerald, he could tell, was being affected too. Though his stance hadn't changed, the Deputy Chief was beginning to tire just a little. The desert and combat were taking its toll on both swordsmen. Jack knew that if he could hold on for a little longer, an opening would present itself. With a flourish, he readied his swords for the next exchange. The Deputy Chief raised his blades as well.
Simultaneously, Jack and Gerald lunged for each other. A metallic clang was heard as their swords struck each other. Sword met sword again and again as the two warriors exchanged blows. A stinging pain in his left leg forced Gerald back several steps, though his reflexive sword swing caught Jack's arm. Neither man hesitated a moment longer than necessary, and they were immediately battling once again. The Hatred Edge deflected Gerald's Oratorio, and Jack thrust the Arbitrator at his chest. Gerald moved slightly as the thrust closed, so that he was clear of the strike. Jack tried to jump back, but he was not quick enough. Requiem cut across his left cheek, and his head was jerked to the right. As Gerald attempted to close the gap, Jack planted his left foot in the older man's ribs. Regaining his balance, Jack charged forward again. The older man was still off balance, but he managed to meet the Arbitrator's stroke. As Jack pushed, Gerald's foot slipped in the loose sand and he fell to the ground.
Gerald never seemed to lose his composure as he rolled across the ground, he even managed to deflect one of Jack's sword strokes as it fell. Jack continued to press the Deputy Chief, unwilling to let him regain his feet. Displaying uncharacteristic patience, the younger man forced his opponent toward one of the rock formations by the side of the road. As he neared the large rock, Gerald sped up his sideways roll and put a little more distance between Jack and himself. At the last possible moment, he scrambled to his feet and pressed his back to the rock wall. Jack launched into a frenzy of attacks, striking from every possible angle while his opponent was unable to move as freely. Gerald's swords moved fast as well, keeping pace with Jack and allowing him to step away from the face of the rock. Feeling himself losing ground, Jack planted his feet and attacked again. Their swords blurred as the two swordsmen battled back and forth, neither willing to give ground. When the Deputy Chief sidestepped a powerful stroke, Jack's Hatred Edge struck the rock wall. Knowing that he had missed his chance, Jack scrambled out of the way of Gerald's imminent attack.
Gerald stepped away from the rock as Jack dashed out of the way. The younger man was in position when his former superior attacked again. Parrying a stroke from Requiem, Jack countered with the Hatred Edge. As soon as this attack was blocked, Jack brought the Arbitrator to bear. His powerful stroke cut across Gerald's chest and sent the taller man staggering backward. Though he would have normally allowed his opponent to rise, Jack lunged at him instead. When Jack's swords began to fall, Gerald brought his right foot up to stop the attack. His foot connected with Jack's left arm just above the wrist. Rocking back on his upper torso, the Deputy Chief quickly brought his left foot up as well. The kick caught Jack in the stomach, and Gerald used his momentum to flip his former student over and onto his back. As he was being flipped over, Jack struck Gerald's left arm with the Arbitrator. The two men tried to get to their feet quickly, but both were noticeably unstable. Jack was the first to stand, but Gerald was on his feet a moment later. Both men appeared to be exhausted, and they were eyeing each other warily.
"Well," Jack asked. "What happens now?"
"Now I get serious," Gerald answered. "You've proven yourself worthy, so here goes."
Gerald lunged at Jack, swinging his swords furiously. Jack was forced to fall back, doing everything he could to counterattack. When he found an opening, Jack attempted a powerful thrust. This attack was parried, and Gerald struck Jack across the cheek with the hilt of Requiem. Jack staggered a couple of steps, and brought his blades up to deflect the next strike. However, there was no follow up. When Jack looked around, he understood why. His back was against the rock face where the Deputy Chief had been pinned earlier, and Gerald was standing in front of him. A distinctive red flame had surrounded him, and both swords were pointed at Jack.
"This, Jack Russell, is the benefit of age and experience," said Gerald. "I know just what to do and just how to do it. This is the end of our fight."
"You're right that this is the end," Jack agreed. Volty flames surrounded him as he continued, and his group tightened on both of his swords. "But you're about to see the benefit of my strength and my devotion. I can't stop here, I have to get to Ridley."
"I guess we'll just see what happens, then," Gerald said.
Gerald slowly raised both swords above his head, so their tips crossed. Jack watched carefully, knowing he would only have one chance. The Deputy Chief had intentionally put him right against the rock wall, so that it would be virtually impossible for him to avoid the impending attack. He had seen Gerald's volty once before, and knew how to counter it. Knowing and doing were two different things, though. While the older swordsman brought his swords down parallel to the ground, Jack shifted his feet in the sand to generate some traction. Jack's arms were at his side, his swords pointed just slightly behind him.
'Here goes,' Jack thought as he saw Gerald's blades begin to move.
"Dual Wave Blade," Gerald shouted as he swung both swords. An energy wave came from each blade, forming an X as they flew toward Jack.
The Volty Blast slammed into the rock face and destroyed it. Rubble went everywhere, sending clouds of dust and sand into the air and obstructing the view of the destruction. Ganz and Gil strained their eyes trying to see through the debris. Gerald was smiling, confident that his attack had connected. When the dust finally settled, he watched for movement within the rubble. The Deputy Chief took several steps toward the rubble, but stopped when he heard footsteps behind him. Turning with his swords up, he saw Jack Russell standing before him. Jack still held both of his swords, and wore a determined look on his face; he was still surrounded by Volty flames.
"Blade Dance," Jack said grimly, raising his swords.
Instantly, Jack had closed the distance between he and Gerald. The Arbitrator's slash cut from right to left across his opponent, and was instantly followed by the Hatred Edge. Pivoting on his right foot, Jack left crisscrossing slashes on Gerald's right arm as he stepped to the left. When he struck again, the two swords sliced down the Deputy Chief's back. Spinning and slashing, he continued to attack the Deputy Chief's exposed back. When the bigger man began to fall, Jack kicked him and sent him tumbling across the path. Both swords flew out of Gerald's hands, and he made no move to rise. He was still lying on his back when Jack walked up to him and pointed the Arbitrator.
"All right, I give up," Gerald said with a groan. "What was that, Jack?"
"Your Volty is easy to avoid if you've seen it once," Jack began. "I started toward you right as you began the attack, and slid through the gap in the X. It required a lot of precision and speed. And, Blade Dance is my new Volty."
"I could have done without that one," Gerald said with a wry smile. "You've grown strong, Jack. Do remember the night of your entrance exam? You couldn't even touch me; and now, now I'm the one in the dirt."
"I'm sorry for what happened Deputy Chief," Jack said, hanging his head. "I never meant for anything bad to happen to Theater Vancoor."
"You chose your path," said Gerald. His gaze met Jack's as he continued. "Worry about what's in front of you, not what's behind you. You need to get going."
"Will you be all right here," Jack asked, full of concern.
"I'll be fine, I just need to recover a little more before I head back," Gerald replied.
"Let me help you," Jack continued. He lifted up on Gerald's shoulders and pulled him off the road and over to the shade provided by the rock formations.
"Thank you, Jack" said Gerald. "I thought I was going beat you into the dirt, but you've gotten to strong for that."
"Deputy Chief," Jack began.
"Go already," Gerald barked. "You've got a woman waiting for you."
Jack nodded his head and quickly retrieved his travel bag. He reached into the bag for another on of his Herb Extracts, and immediately felt it go to work on his wounds. He gestured for Ganz and Gil to join him, and the two walked over to the scene of the battle. They were walking back down the desert road when Gerald motioned for Jack to return to his side. Jack signaled for his friends to wait while he made his way back to the Deputy Chief's side. Though he was wounded and covered with sweat and sand, Gerald was still an imposing figure. He looked at Jack, and his gaze drifted to the carrying bag slung over his shoulder. His voice was clear and stern as he spoke.
"Jack, listen to me," he said. "Think about what I said about that sword. You don't need the Hatred Edge, and you will be stronger without it."
"I will think about it," Jack said. "But that's all I can promise. We have to go now, Deputy Chief. There's not much time."
"A girl to risk my life for," Gerald said to himself as Jack walked away. "Maybe I'll find her one day."
Vegeta26: There's another one, hope you guys liked it. I know I've been looking forward to writing Jack and Gerald's confrontation for quite some time. As always, I look forward to hearing from you.
Weasel Debater: The journey from the Adien Region to the Dysett Region would be a long one, but Jack's drive to get to Ridley translates to his ability to get there quickly. Rather than worry about Gerald's swords, Jack just went for a second sword. Works better that way. Looking forward to hearing from you again.
xdemonXchanx: I did repost the chapters. The ending is something I'm thinking about, not sure what I'm going to do yet. Rest assured that there are still good things to come. I'm glad you liked the last couple chapters, and I hope to hear from you again.